Three people were killed in two separate traffic accidents in the Lafourche – Terrebonne area over the weekend, according to State Police.

The first happened Sunday around 8:40 p.m. on LA 1 just south of the Golden Meadow flood gate in Lafourche Parish.

According to State Police, 21-year-old Jarrod Kiger was operating a 2004 Toyota Tundra when the vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a 1999 International truck driven by 52-year-old Elgin Lirette, Jr.

Upon impact, the two vehicles caught fire and became engulfed in flames.

Both Kiger and Lirette died at the scene.

It was not immediately known whether alcohol played a factor in the crash.

About an hour later, authorities were investigating another traffic accident – this one on LA 57 just south of the Terrebonne Parish Jail.

According to State Police, 21-year-old Jonathan Dehart was driving a 2006 Cadillac CTS northbound on LA 57 when he failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a 1998 Dodge Ram driven by 39-year-old Shawn Bourg.

A passenger in the Cadillac – identified as 22-year-old Scotty Thibodeaux – was taken to Chabert Medical Center where he later died.

Another passenger in the Cadillac, as well as several passengers in the Dodge Ram were also taken to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Police say alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash on the part of Dehart.

Dehart was charged with one count vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular negligent injuring, driving left of center and not having a license.